CHILOQUIN, Ore. Nov. 3, 2026 – Former Oregon state Sen. C. Peter Sorenson presented two illustrations of native fish species to The Klamath Tribes on Tuesday, Nov. 3, during a presentation to Tribal Council at the Tribes’ administration building in Chiloquin. The illustrations, displayed in two framed pieces, were created by fish artist Joseph R. Tomelleri and depict species native to the Upper Klamath Basin, including c’waam (Lost River sucker) and koptu (shortnose sucker).
Sorenson, a retired attorney and former Lane County commissioner, helped advance legal efforts to protect endangered fish species in Upper Klamath Lake while working with the Oregon Natural Resources Council, now known as Oregon Wild. During his remarks, Sorenson recalled litigation challenging federal management of endangered fish and the role conservation advocates played in protecting the species. He also described the work behind Tomelleri’s illustrations, including temporarily collecting and photographing live fish before returning them to the water.
Sorenson received the artwork as part of the David Simons Award for Vision from the Oregon Natural Resources Council in recognition of his environmental advocacy. The framed illustrations accompanied him throughout his professional career before he decided to donate them to the Tribes. During the presentation, Sorenson dedicated the donation to the memory of two friends, Gordon Bettles and Glenn Moore, whom he remembered for their contributions to Native communities.
Sorenson said the drawings represent more than scientific illustrations. He acknowledged the fish’s cultural importance to the Klamath people and hoped the artwork would help younger generations remember their heritage. “I hope that these fish will help, especially the young people, remember a portion of their heritage,” Sorenson said.
C’waam and Koptu have sustained the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin-Paiute people for thousands of years. The fish remain central to the Tribes’ cultural traditions, treaty rights and ongoing efforts to protect and restore native fish populations in the Upper Klamath Basin. Each spring, The Klamath Tribes observe the Return of the C’waam Ceremony along the Sprague River, honoring the fish and their cultural significance.
“We are honored that Mr. Sorenson has gifted The Klamath Tribes the 1991 hand-drawn illustrations of our C’waam, Koptu and Yen. Mo sepk’eec’a, Mr. Sorenson,” said Tribal Chairman William E. Ray Jr.
After the presentation, Ambodat Director Alta Harris gave Sorenson a tour of the Tribes’ Ambodat facilities. The donated artwork will be displayed in the lobby of The Klamath Tribes Administration Building in Chiloquin, where Tribal members and visitors can view the illustrations. The donation preserves a connection between past conservation efforts and the Tribes’ continuing work to protect C’waam, Koptu and their habitats for future generations.
